As most of you have probably heard, Hurricane Jova made landfall early Wednesday morning. Jova came ashore west of Manzanillo and Barra de Navidad as a Category 2, but quickly diminished to tropical storm status as it passed south of Puerto Vallarta and then to our east. The storm produced more than 2 feet of rain in some areas, but the Jaltemba Bay area only received a sprinkling. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the storm. We'd like to thank those of you who helped provide the play-by-play weather report on the Jaltemba Bay Folk Forum. This is proof that we are a tight-knit community that comes together in time of need.

The opening ceremony on Friday evening signaled the start of the 2011 Pan American Games. The games will take place at 32 sports venues throughout the state of Jalisco, with the majority of them in Guadalajara. Games will also be held at provincial sub-sites located in Lagos de Moreno, Chapala, Ciudad Guzman and nearby Puerto Vallarta (including beach volleyball, sailing, open water swimming and the triathalon). For more information, visit the Pan American Games website or the Guadalajara Reporter's Guide to the Pan Am Games.

To find out what else is going on, read through the information below and take a peek at our online Community Calendar.

And be sure to watch for the next issue of the Jaltemba Bay Life Newsletter, which will arrive in your InBox on October 24th just in time for your morning coffee.

Saludos!

Editor, Jaltemba Bay Life Newsletter

Photo of the Week

Sunset Before The Storm

by David Thompson

This amazing sunset was captured on Tuesday, October 11 in Guayabitos. You can see the storm clouds from Hurricane Jova in the distance. To view other photos in this series, click here.

Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue (JBAR) just announced that they will be holding two free spay and neuter clinics in November. Volunteers are needed to help register and weigh animals, sterilize equipment, assist during recovery and clean kennels. No previous veterinary experience is needed. More >

I am happy to report that Arnie's Silver Shop, located on Avenida del Sol Nuevo in Guayabitos, reopened its doors on October 1st. If you follow the Jaltemba Bay Folk Forum, you may remember us reporting that Arnie's store was robbed on the evening of June 3rd. More >

Last season, I was walking by the Ignacio Zaragoza kinder school and they had a poster up asking for donations of pencils, paper and other basics. At the bottom of the poster they advertised for a volunteer English teacher. So, I volunteered and that was the start of my involvement. More >

*Note: We are re-running this story, because we made an error. The original story title read "Los Ayala Schools" rather than "La Penita Schools", and was published in our newsletter that way by mistake. We want to apologize for any confusion and/or inconvenience this might have caused.

JBAR: Animals for Adoption

Rescued and adopted animals make the best pets! There are always dogs and cats available for adoption in the Jaltemba Bay area that are looking for good loving homes. View ALL Animals for Adoption>

Events are a wonderful way to immerse yourself in, and learn about, the Mexican culture. Here is a list of upcoming holidays, festivals, events, and activities worth planning around. Also check out our Community Calendar for a complete list of what's going on in the Jaltemba Bay area. If you have information about an event, please email us so we can include it in our next issue. And don't forget to add your event... it's FREE!

During the end of October, there is an abundance and diversity of butterflies in the area. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens is taking advantage of this and will be offering daily tours at 1pm. They will walk you through their favorite viewing spots of these fluttering friends, and help you identify certain species. For more info, visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens website.

Although Halloween is not a Mexican holiday, you will still find costumes, parties, tricks and treats. And don't be surprised if some goblins come knocking at your door.

November 1-2

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

During this 2-day holiday, relatives celebrate the lives of those who have passed on. November 1st is All Saints' Day, when Mexicans pay homage to the souls of the children who have passed. November 2nd is All Souls' Day, when the souls of those who died in adulthood are honored. Relatives of those who died, gather at cemeteries throughout Mexico, bringing bread, fruit and decorated sugar skulls, along with candles and the favorite food of the people they are remembering, to celebrate the lives of those passed on. The mood is far from morbid: it is lively, upbeat, and is a celebration of life!

** Indicates Nationwide holidays -- Schools, banks, post offices, and other public government offices are closed during these Mexican National Holidays. Often times these and other major holidays include the nearest Monday to create a 3-day weekend.

Ongoing

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays:

Guayabitos Yoga

(Oct. 31 - March 30) Work on strength, flexibility, core power and balance during these outdoor yoga classes. Classes start at 7:30am (9am class will be added in January). More Info >

(Year-Round) The Tianguis (open-air market) is held every Thursday from 8am-1pm or so around the Plaza in La Peņita (map). It is "the" place to shop for silver and handmade jewelry, tablecloths and linens, glassware, Talavera pottery, Huichol Indian artwork and Oaxacan rugs. You will also find fresh fruits and veggies, homemade breads and locally-produced honey and coffee. This is one of the largest and most well-known markets in the area. While the Tianguis continues year-round, many of the artisans do not participate during the summer months.

Fridays:

Casa Cooking Classes

(Nov. 18 - March 23) Each class focuses on a traditional Mexican meal using the freshest local foods with information on ingredients, utensils and techniques. Classes are Fridays at 2pm in Guayabitos. Registration starts now! More Info >

Saturdays-Sundays:

Breakfast at Tiffany's

(Now - April 21-22) Enjoy brunch on the back terrace at El Panorama Hotel in La Peņita every weekend from 8am-noon. 10% of the proceeds go to Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue (JBAR). Reservations are required. More Info >

We are proud to promote the following businesses, vacation rentals, and real estate listings on the Jaltemba Bay Life site. Please support these and the other local businesses that make our website possible through their advertising. Thank You!

FEATURED RENTAL

Los Compadres Resort

La Peņita

Beautiful resort with 7 spacious and private suites and stunning views of the entire Jaltemba Bay. Stay for a week or month. more>

Featured Real Estate

Listing your Real Estate By-Owner on our site is easy, affordable and it runs until you sell. Click here to find out how.

FEATURED REAL ESTATE

Casa Tequila

Guayabitos, Residential$1,350,000 USD

Spectacular beachfront home with oceanfront pool, five bedrooms and immaculately maintained property. more>

Thank You / Gracias

We want to thank you for taking the time to read this issue of the Jaltemba Bay Life Newsletter.

The team at Jaltemba Bay Life works hard to provide you with the most up-to-date and informative site for both locals and visitors to the area.

If you own a business, hotel or vacation rental, and/or have real estate to sell, we hope you will consider advertising on our site. You'll be listed in our directories and be seen by hundreds of locals and visitors each and every day. We stand by our product and our commitment to the community -- that's why all fees are 100% money-back guaranteed!

We value your opinions and feedback. Please email us or post on the Jaltemba Bay Folk Forum if you've enjoyed this issue of our newsletter or if you have comments or suggestions about how we can make our community website even better!